The last post was about our possible Mayflower ancestor, Edward Fuller. We're researching that connection with yDNA testing. This post is about using atDNA testing in our effort.
Three types of DNA
From Wikipedia:
Both males and females can atDNA test for all ancestral matches; reliable for four to six generations, though. It's best the oldest willing ancestor test. Here are some popular DNA testing sites;
My son and I tested last year on Ancestry.com. They group genetic relatives by surname into "Circles" by comparing DNA results with family trees. We are in an 'emerging' Fuller surname Circle originating with Johiel and Martha (Rundle) Fuller (chart on the right); the members representing Allen Fuller.
One brother, Alfred, is represented by two cousins and his brother Emmett, by one female descendant. All those tested (save my son) are fourth-generation great-grandchildren of Johiel Fuller; the limits of atDNA testing.
How can I be part of this research?
Glad you asked. There are several ways.
From Wikipedia:
"There are three types of genealogical DNA tests, autosomal (atDNA), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and Y-Chromosome (yDNA). Autosomal tests for all ancestry. yDNA tests a male along his direct paternal line. mtDNA tests a man or woman along their direct maternal line. Any of these tests can be used to some degree for recent genealogy or for ethnic ancestry."
Both males and females can atDNA test for all ancestral matches; reliable for four to six generations, though. It's best the oldest willing ancestor test. Here are some popular DNA testing sites;
- Ancestry.com has the Ancestry DNA™ test. Their site is easy to navigate and their "Helpdesk" support, unsurpassed. You need a paid account to contact those matches.
- The atDNA test at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), the only company that does yDNA testing, is Family Finder™. They have tools to compare matches, and there are no paid accounts. Their site is very technical and the "Helpdesk," mostly non-existent. You are on your own.
- Family historians are warning against 23 & Me™ for genealogy. Recently, they got approval to do genetic health testing. Their focus is shifting.
Ancestry DNA™ "Circles"
My son and I tested last year on Ancestry.com. They group genetic relatives by surname into "Circles" by comparing DNA results with family trees. We are in an 'emerging' Fuller surname Circle originating with Johiel and Martha (Rundle) Fuller (chart on the right); the members representing Allen Fuller.
One brother, Alfred, is represented by two cousins and his brother Emmett, by one female descendant. All those tested (save my son) are fourth-generation great-grandchildren of Johiel Fuller; the limits of atDNA testing.
How can I be part of this research?
Glad you asked. There are several ways.
- Test at Ancestry.com. Become part of the Fuller family 'Circle'.
- Test at FTDNA.
- After you test, upload your results free at FTDNA or GEDmatch.com.
- Join our Merrick-Fuller Facebook page to compare results
What can I expect from the results?
You'll receive a breakdown of your recent genetic, ethnic make-up. For example, FTDNA generated the chart below for my father's Family Finder™ test results.
His recent ethnicity is 99% European. Our Indian ancestor story died here. As my Bonfiglio, grandson's father said, "Your family couldn't be more WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant)."
You'll be notified of your DNA matches. Compare your family trees and contact them to work out your relationship. You can share results with other Merrick or Fuller family members through connections made on our Facebook page.
Join us here
Join us here
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